Pre-Pastoral Studies

Mission Statement

The mission of pre-pastoral education in the Concordia University System is to prepare students for theological studies and pastoral formation at a seminary of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. This preparation includes:

1. competency in biblical knowledge, the biblical languages and Lutheran doctrine.
2. competency in advanced communication skills in reading, writing and speaking.
3. skills in critical thinking and philosophical inquiry.
4. acquisition of a global perspective.
5. the understanding of and appreciation for the Lutheran ethos, identity and ethic; and
6. helping the student to perceive, proclaim and live out the centrality of the Gospel for the whole of life.

Curriculum

1. General education core curriculum.
2. Minor in Confessional Lutheranism.
3. Another minor or major from the following options:
   1. minor or major offered by the Department of Religion and Theology.
   2. liberal studies minor or major.
   3. Outreach minor and major
   4. parish education and administration minor or major.

Whichever of the above routes students elect to follow, it is highly recommended that they include the following in their curriculum in order to fully prepare themselves for the study of theology at the seminary level:

1. Four semesters of Greek.
2. Two semesters of Hebrew.
3. One semester of psychology or sociology.
4. One semester of philosophy.
5. One semester of public speaking (required by the LCMS seminaries.)

Recommendation to LCMS Seminaries

In addition to the graduation requirements as specified for the baccalaureate degree, successful completion of the following is required for recommendation of students by the Department of Religion and Theology and the president of the university to one of the theological seminaries of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod:

1. completion of the pre-professional skills test (PPST) administered by the university testing office before the end of the sophomore year.
2. interview by the Pre-pastoral director before first semester of the junior year.
3. pass the seminary competency tests in Old Testament, New Testament, Christian Doctrine, Hebrew and Greek.
4. submit a portfolio to their senior interviewer (assigned by the Pre-pastoral director) containing the following:
   1. autobiography describing what led the student to study for the pastoral ministry.
   2. five to six page essay that demonstrates their understanding of Christian worship and describes their participation in worship while a student at Concordia; describes their personal commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ; and characterizes their current understanding of the pastoral office.
   3. documentation of their participation in campus and congregational worship life during their time as a student at Concordia;
   4. description of their involvement and responsibilities in campus and congregational organizations, committees, and events.
   5. documentation of successful completion of General Education Core Curriculum, the Minor in Confessional Lutheranism, another minor or major and the pre-seminary curriculum courses.
   6. PPST scores.
   7. documentation and evaluation of cross-cultural experience.